Crackdown: Five ice factories sealed

BAHAWALPUR: A crackdown on the production and selling of poor quality eatables commenced on Tuesday across Rahim Yar Khan.

The move was made following a directive by DCO Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. Under the crackdown on establishments involved in adulterating produce, hoarding and short measure practices, Health EDO sealed five ice factories. The establishments were closed due to poor cleanliness standards, hazardous working environments and faulty equipment.

Speaking to the factory proprietors, the EDO said a warning regarding cleanliness standards, use of filtered water and ice fit for human consumption had been circulated earlier.

He said ice ought to be purged of bacteria before being offered for sale as its presence made consumers susceptible to contracting an array of diseases including hepatitis.

Al-Farooq Ice Factory, Umar Shahid Ice Factory, Raees Gul Hassan Ice Factory and Medina Ice Factory—the establishments sealed—had been using contaminated water to manufacture ice. The produce was also being stored in dubious conditions.

The ammonia systems in place across the sites were also acting up.

Separately, Nadeem Sweets and Bakers was fined Rs20,000 in connection with poor cleanliness standards following a raid by the EDO and his team. Those working at the establishment had also been flouting standard operating procedures. Similar establishments were then warned to take remedial action or risk punitive action.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2016.